These Marshmallow Cereal Bars are a crispy, chewy dream! They are rich yet light in texture. I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter with the marshmallow. It adds so much depth that it complements the Golden Crisp cereal wonderfully.
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These are great if you want to serve a creative take on Rice Krispies treats. I like the puffed texture of Golden Crisp cereal, and it’s even better when smothered in melted chocolate and marshmallow. I promise that whoever you share this recipe with won’t be able to get enough of them!
If you like cereal treat recipes, you will love this cinnamon sugar snack mix , Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats and chocolate covered strawberry granola.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s simple to make: This is super easy to make! It’s just like any other Rice Krispies recipe except you’re using Golden Crisp cereal and extra additions like peanut butter and melted chocolate.
- It’s a no-bake treat: Keep the oven off when you prepare these cereal treat bars! You’ll use the stovetop to melt the butter, but that’s it!
- It’s easy to customize: What’s great about these kinds of treats is that you can make them however you want! Feel free to add or omit ingredients as you see fit. Get creative with it.
Ingredients
You only need 5 ingredients to make this marshmallow cereal bar recipe. They are common, everyday items you can find anywhere!
- Golden Crisp cereal: This is similar to Honey Smacks, but the flavor and texture are slightly different. You can find it in the cereal aisle at the grocery store. It’s just a sweetened puff cereal.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter for this recipe, but salted butter will work in a pinch if you don’t mind a slightly salty flavor. There’s no need to soften it because it will be melted, so go ahead and grab it straight from the refrigerator.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt a little easier and faster than regular, but either will work just fine. I have made this recipe with both varieties!
- Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is a must to keep the mixture creamy. I haven’t tried it with crunchy peanut butter (or natural peanut butter), so I’m not sure if it will change the texture. Any brand works, though!
- Chocolate chips: I like semi-sweet chocolate chips to keep these marshmallow cereal treats from becoming too sweet. However, dark or milk chocolate would still be tasty.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Nutella: Swap the peanut butter for Nutella to make an extra chocolatey version.
- White chocolate: Use white chocolate chips to give the cereal bars extra richness.
- Add nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch.
How to Make Cereal Treats with Marshmallow
Here are the instructions on how to make this Golden Crisp cereal treats recipe. It’s similar to other cereal bars and easy to follow. Grab your 9x13 pan and spray it with a light coating of cooking spray before you get started.
Step 1: Melt the butter. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.
Step 2: Add the marshmallows. Pour in the marshmallows, remove the mixture from the heat, and stir until the marshmallows are smooth.
Step 3: Add the peanut butter and chocolate. Stir in the peanut butter and then the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Add the cereal. Once all the ingredients are melted, fold in the Golden Crisp cereal until it’s fully coated.
Step 5: Transfer to the pan. Carefully spoon it into the prepared pan and gently press it down evenly.
Step 6: Drizzle peanut butter and chocolate. Warm some peanut butter, melt more chocolate chips, and drizzle them over the top. Finally, pop them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to cool and set before devouring them!
Recipe Tips
- Microwave the peanut butter: I like to pop the peanut butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds before I add it to the cereal mixture. It makes it easier to work with, and it mixes better with the other ingredients. You may also pop it back onto the burner for a few seconds, but I don’t like to risk burning the marshmallow.
- Don’t scorch the marshmallows: Remove the pot from the heat as soon as you add the marshmallows. They can scorch and burn very easily.
- Grease your tools and hands: Use a little oil or nonstick cooking spray on your tools and your hands to make the cereal treats easier to handle.
- Storage directions: Store these marshmallow cereal bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze them for up to 2 months, wrapped in parchment paper and plastic wrap.
If you love recipes like these cereal marshmallow treats, you may also enjoy these Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a scoop of ice cream on the side or make a unique ice cream sandwich. Some great homemade recipes for this are Almond Joy Ice Cream and Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream.
- Prepare an easy dinner like a Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole or a Chicken Club Sandwich, and then indulge in cereal bars with marshmallows.
- A tasty adult beverage like this Salted Nut Roll Shot complements the flavors of the marshmallow cereal bars.
Recipe FAQs
I don’t like to tightly pack down the cereal bars because then they become dense and a little tough after they set. Gently press the mixture down into the pan to prevent this.
Of course! This is a great alternative to help with clean-up as well. I like to make it longer than the pan so I can lift out the entire thing to slice it more easily.
I don’t, because they become too firm for me. I like to keep them as crispy and chewy as possible, and they lose that in the fridge.
More Delicious Marshmallow Treat Recipes
Do you like marshmallow treat recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Golden Crisp Marshmallow Cereal Bars
Ingredients
- 6 cups Golden Crisp cereal
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups marshmallows
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, over medium heat add butter. Stir until melted.
- Add marshmallows. Remove from heat and stir until melted.
- Add peanut butter and chocolate chips. Continue to stir. Return to heat momentarily, if necessary, to totally melt and blend those ingredients.
- Add cereal and stir until totally and evenly coated.
- ***We prefer the chocolate chips melted but you can also add them last, right before you press the dessert into your prepared pan.
- Spoon and press into your prepared pan and refrigerate until cool, about 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store your marshmallow cereal bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Don’t store the cereal treats in the refrigerator, as it makes them a little too hard and they lose their chewy texture.
- Grease your spoon and hands a little with cooking spray or get your fingertips wet with water to prevent them from sticking to your hands.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in June 2016. It's been updated with new content and images.
David says
These are actually easier than i thought to make. Your recipe makes it easy to follow. Thank you because i can't cook!
Karin and Ken says
Sounds like you can cook! So happy you enjoyed this easy recipe. All the best. Karin